Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary: Wander Into The Wild In Bhutan

3 Jun 2023

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Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is the newest addition to wildlife reserved areas and quite captivating too. It is spread over an area of 650 sq. km and is an amazing world in itself that you’ll love to discover and explore. The sanctuary displays the Himalayan ecosystem in its full glory, covered in thick carpets of rhododendrons.

It is home to the nomadic tribes, snow leopards, barking deer, Himalayan red fox, Himalayan black bear, red pandas, Himalayan squirrels, and the mythical Yeti. The Yeti in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was the reason for reserving the area, as per the legends.

If you’re someone who enjoys bird watching, you can easily spot the common hoopoe, Assamese macaw, rufous vented tit, blood pheasant, grey-headed woodpecker, grey-backed shrike, and many others.

The sanctuary is, till date, widely untouched by urbanisation and is the perfect getaway from the concrete jungles. It is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuary in Bhutan.

Basic Facts About Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

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Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Trashigang, Bhutan
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Opening Hours: 7 AM

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How To Reach Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air:
Paro Airport is the closest airport from where you can hire local transport to reach the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Rail:
There are no railway stations in Bhutan. The closest railway stations are Hasimara and Phuentsholing, both in India.
By Road:
Taxis, buses, and other modes of transport are easily available in Bhutan. You can book a taxi from Thimpu till the sanctuary.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Weather

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The weather at Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is mostly fine throughout the year but the best time to visit is in between March and August. From March to August, Bhutan doesn’t generally experience heavy rainfall. Also, this is the season when most of the migratory birds fly to Bhutan.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Things To Do

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan has a lot to offer to all its visitors. Here are a few things that you must do at the sanctuary:

1. Capture the Snow Leopard

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One thing that you must do if you’re visiting the sanctuary is trying to click a picture or shoot a video of the Snow Leopard. The majestic animal roams free in the sanctuary and is quite easy to spot during the daytime.

Must Read: Hiking In Bhutan: 9 Alluring Trails Every Hiking Enthusiast Should Walk On!

2. Bird Watching

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The sanctuary receives rare, exotic migratory bird species from all around the world every year. Apart from this, it is a permanent home to several species that can only be seen in
Bhutan. Thus, if you’re at the sanctuary, you must go out early morning and spend some time watching the birds and listen to their chirping. Take a tour as Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary tourism is one of the best tours in Bhutan.

3. Collect Cordyceps leaves

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The locals believe that the Cordyceps leaves have high medicinal value and are very beneficial for our health. So, while wandering in the sanctuary, you can ask your guide to help you collect some of these leaves.

4. Trekking

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The sanctuary is a wonderful place to go for long treks as the landscape is not very rough, even for beginners. However, there are certain areas which are prohibited for tourists for safety reasons or because they are inhabited by the nomadic tribes.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation

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There is a guesthouse named ‘Merak Guesthouse’ in the sanctuary which can be booked in advance. Apart from this, there are several hotels and guesthouses in Trashigang and other nearby areas which offer bed and breakfast services at very reasonable rates. If you book a Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary tour then all accommodation and travel bookings will be managed by the tour operator.

Further Read: Shopping In Thimphu: 10 Best Places For Buying The Best Of Everything In Bhutan

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place if you’re planning a trip to Bhutan. The experience would definitely be enthralling and refreshing for one’s mind, soul, and body! Make sure to gather your friends and leave for Bhutan now. We promise you that it’ll be fun.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Is there an option for camping at Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary?

There is a camping site near Joenkhar area for bird watching and another one in the Merak Range.

How is Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in December?

During December, the weather gets quite cold, and therefore, it is not recommended that you travel to the sanctuary in winter. The days are also shorter and you won’t be able to make the most of it.

Are there any hotels in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary?

No, there are no hotels inside the sanctuary. However, there are hotels in the Trashigang district and other nearby areas.

Are the tribals in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary friendly?

The two nomadic tribes in the sanctuary are not very friendly with the tourists. Therefore, it is suggested that you don’t try to mingle with them or enter their living areas.